The move follows mounting public concern after images and reports circulated on social media showing heavy machinery operating along the beachfront at Laem Ka Yai in Rawai.
Officials from the Phuket Regional Marine Office inspected the site on May 21 after learning of the construction activity online. They confirmed the work involved the construction of a breakwater and seawall project by Baron World Trade Co Ltd.
According to the Marine Office, the company was subsequently summoned to provide clarification and supporting documents regarding the development.
On May 25, company representative Thanachai Soonponrai met Marine Office officials and presented land title deeds and a building permit issued by the Rawai Municipality.
The documents included Chanote title deeds covering two adjoining plots in Moo 2, Soi Laem Ka Yai, with a combined area of 20 rai and with the southern boundary described as adjoining the sea.
However, the company representative reportedly informed officials that some original land boundary markers had disappeared due to coastal erosion and seawater encroachment.
The Phuket Regional Marine Office said discussions were held regarding how any seawall or breakwater structures could be adjusted to remain within private land boundaries while minimising impacts on the coastal landscape and public access.
In an official letter dated Monday (May 25), Phuket Marine Office Chief Adul Ralukmoon ordered construction work that may involve encroachment on waterways to be suspended pending a full investigation.
The order cited possible violations under Sections 117, 118 and 119 bis of the Thai Maritime Navigation Act relating to structures or activities affecting public waterways.
“To ensure thorough investigation and correct legal action,” the letter stated, the company must suspend any construction that may involve encroachment on waterways until land ownership boundaries are clearly verified.
The letter also instructed the company to conduct a formal boundary survey to establish whether any construction had extended beyond privately owned land.
The issue escalated further yesterday morning (May 26), when residents from the Rawai sea gypsy community submitted a formal complaint to Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn calling for an urgent investigation into the project.
The petition was received by Phuket Damrongdhama Centre (Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) Director Monchai Saeleow.
Community representatives said villagers feared the construction could damage traditional fishing access routes, interfere with boat launching areas and disrupt cultural and ceremonial practices long tied to the beachfront.
The petition also questioned whether the land had historically been used as shared public space and whether any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had been conducted for the breakwater structure.
Villagers argued that roads and pathways used by the public for decades may legally qualify as public land under Section 1304 of the Civil and Commercial Code.
The protest was supported by Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who accompanied villagers during the submission of the complaint.
The latest dispute revives long-running tensions between the Rawai sea gypsy community and Baron World Trade Co Ltd over coastal development in the area.
In 2019, more than 50 sea gypsies gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall to oppose canal excavation and resort construction linked to the same company, citing concerns over public beachfront access, disputed land boundaries and the handling of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment process.
At the time, villagers also raised concerns that work near La-on Canal and the beachfront could affect traditional community activities and access to sacred cultural sites.
The Phuket Marine Office said further legal action regarding the current project would depend on the outcome of land surveys and joint inspections with relevant agencies.